Kantian ethics

Question 1

What is duty?

Answer 1

Doing what you ought to do, purely because it is right, not for personal gain

Question 2

What is the categorical imperative?

Answer 2

Unconditional requirements that must be obeyed in all circumstances, justified as an end in itself - Act according to the maxims

Question 3

What is a hypothetical imperative?

Answer 3

You must do something if you wish to attain certain ends

Question 4

What are the 3 postulates?

Answer 4

1. God exists
2. We are all free
3. We are free beings

Question 5

define autonomy

Answer 5

self-rule or freedom with reason

Question 6

define heteronomy

Answer 6

rule by others

Question 7

define postulate

Answer 7

a necessary assumption

To assume the existence or truth as a basis for discussion or belief

Question 8

Is the theory teleological or deontological?

Answer 8

Deontological- based on the action itself, not the consequence

Question 9

What word did Kant use to describe the perfect good?

Answer 9

(noun) summun bonum

Question 10

What is the kingdom of ends?

Answer 10

A world in which everyone is treated as ends in themselves, not the means to an end

Question 11

Describe Moral Law

Answer 11

an action is only truly good if it is done because it is right, and one’s duty, not for self-interest

Question 12

What are the maxims?

Answer 12

1. You should do to others as you wish to be treated
2. Don’t use peoples as the means to an end
3. Act as if your actions will be made into law for everyone to follow

Question 13

Summarise Kantian ethics in how it could be applied to Business Ethics

Answer 13

Acts should be universal
People should not be used
You have a duty (CSR)

Question 14

List the criticisms given to each maxim

Answer 14

1. Others should not always be allowed to have what you have (eg. I want to marry Susan, you cannot also marry Susan)
   Not everything is moral duty
   Not everything would be moral when applied universally (eg, I should repay my debt, but another person in a worse off situation shouldn’t as it could be damaging to them and their family if they are left with nothing)
2. Impractical
3. Unnecessary, each situation should be treated uniquely
   If I give my aunt a present, it is unnecessary for everyone else to give my aunt, or their aunt, a present too

Question 15

What are some strengths of the theory?

Answer 15

Absolutist- clear and useful
Moral- emphasises human ability to reason. Humans naturally know right from wrong which could be used as evidence in support of Kant
Categorical imperative- encourages a positive society, universal consent, should prevent unjust action if followed by everyone

Question 16

what are some weaknesses of Kant’s theory?

Answer 16

Cant ignore bad consequences and claim it as ‘moral duty’
Kant ignores emotion and idolises reason only
Dependant on religion
Impossible for humans to act without contemplating personal gain
Putting duty above feelings is cold and inhumane
Produces outcomes that go against common sense eg axe murderer and the truth

Question 17

How could Aristotle’s ideas be used to criticise Kant?

Answer 17

Kant said you shouldn’t do things for the reward, but A said we should feel good about the things we do, meaning their is some personal interest

Question 18

How could Thomas Nagel’s ideas be used to criticise Kant?

Answer 18

Moral luck- the same action may not have a good consequence in different situations

Question 19

Quotes from Kant about the ‘good will’

Answer 19

‘Nothing in the world can possibly be conceived which could be called good without qualification except good will’

Question 20

Why did Aquinas argue actions cannot be universalised?

Answer 20

It could be harmful for an individual to do the good someone else is doing, eg repay debt if the money is being used to go to war against their own country

Question 21

List the 7 points you should include in an introduction in an essay about Kantian ethics

Answer 21

1. categorical imperatives
2. hypothetical imperatives
3. 3 postulates
4. deontological
5. summun bonum/ perfect good
6. maxims
7. moral law